Emirates Chairman says talks don’t involve revenue sharing

Emirates airline is discussing only code-sharing and not revenue- sharing deal with Australia’s Qantas Airways, the Dubai-based carrier’s chairman said on Wednesday.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of the Emirates Group, told media that the objective is to see Qantas Airways flying through Dubai.

“We expect the deal to close in six months. We’re supporting all airlines to fly through Dubai. We have been talking with a number of airlines. The objective is to see Qantas flying through Dubai,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

Commenting on stake acquisition in Indian airlines, Sheikh Ahmed said: “Our commercial team is negotiating but there is nothing (decided) as yet.”

The President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority also revealed that the Concourse 3 of Dubai Airport will be ready early next year.

He also reiterated that the Dubai economy will grow 4.4-4.5 per cent this year compared to three per cent last year driven higher by trade, tourism and travel sectors.

Sheikh Ahmed – also Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) – was speaking after announcing plans for a training and development institute to be located in Dubai Silicon Oasis and spearheaded by SAP Mena – a subsidiary of SAP.

Sam Alkharrat, SAP Mena managing director, said around 2,000-3,000 new consultants will be certified over the next four years from the institute which and also help create more than 2,500 jobs across the region. The technology giant earlier this year announced $450 million investment plan spanned over four years to up-skill local talent and drive sustainable innovation and growth across Mena.

“The institute is the direct result of addressing our market, customer and ecosystem needs, and will serve as a powerful engine to yield vital jobs, knowledge, innovation and infrastructure capable of progressively shaping Mena’s business future,” said Dr. Werner Brandt, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Board member.